Does the religion of the President matter?
Does the religion of a President matter? The current controversy ignited by Glen Beck and a host of others who are clamoring to restore America by an appeal to God is a controversy that should be easily defused. Unfortunately, it is complicated by heated rhetoric on both sides, particularly the extremes; those who hate religion see no place for it in the public square and those fundamentalists of whatever stripe (Mr. Beck is a Mormon and Ms. Palin is a Protestant of some kind) would have us believe that the founding of America was a foundation built upon their Christian ...
The Gospel is Social Justice: A Response to Glenn Beck
As Glenn Beck continues his withering assault on the personal faith of the President and dials up the rhetoric about churches that proclaim a social gospel, I encourage you to listen again to the sermon delivered in April entitled, "Dear Mr. Beck or The Gospel Is Social Justice." It is a rock solid biblical sermon that sifts through the nonsense and rhetoric in an effort to clarify just how central the idea of Justice is in the scriptures that predate any "liberation theology." Click the tab "sermons" and scroll down and to the next page until you see the sermon. ...
Pastor’s Blog: Aliens Landed on the Front Lawn
There is a moment in August when you figure that the summer is over even if it is not technically over. For some that day is when the kids return to school and you don’t have to have kids for that to be a sign—you just have to wait in traffic for the school bus to move on or the crossing guard to clear the crosswalk. “Gee, summer really is over,” we might say. For others, like me, it is when the front lawn has a burnt circle the size of an alien space ship and I think, either summer ...
AUTUMN OPPORTUNITIES
Fall 2010 Opportunities For Study and Reflection Coming Soon in September! Summer is nearly over but a slate of opportunities for deepening your faith awaits you this Fall. Please be sure to pick up a flyer in the narthex when you are in church and sign up for these events/studies. Let’s study and grow together. Bible Study on Sundays will begin September 12th with a six part study on the Lord’s Prayer entitled, “Lord, Teach Us To Pray.” This is a Kerygma course. Kerygma studies require you to purchase a work book. Bible Intensives will begin September 18th and we will study ...
August at Riverside
[caption id="attachment_263" align="alignleft" width="211" caption="Riverside Church Washington, DC"][/caption] While things slow down around the church in August, the truth is, plans are in process and work continues. The pastor is working on a slate of bible study and reflection opportunities to present in the Fall after Labor Day. Weddings are taking place (congrats Blair and Norbert!), trustees are overseeing property, deacons are overseeing member care, an ordination is being planned for September (congrats Robin!), and In Session is working to fill backpacks with school supplies to children in our community and church who need them. By the way, please help In ...
Wake up, wake up, wake…
We have all seen the movie or television show where someone is in a coma. Maybe the character was in a car accident or suffered a stroke. These shows can be quite intense as we empathize with the family surrounding the hospital bed of their loved one, waiting to see if they will ever talk again. But for a moment, put yourself in the place of the person in the coma. There are some questions I want to ask that pertain to the study of scriptures and history and I think if you can imagine having awakened from a coma, you ...
To Give or Not To Give: Online Contributions Has Arrived!
The first summer of July is around the corner. This is a fluid time for church since many members will be on the road, taking vacations and a much needed respite from ordinary time and routines. But the church is still here and we are still at worship so.... *When you are in town and can worship, please do so. Your presence in the congregation is not only a blessing to yourself, but a blessing to others. *Whether you are in the sanctuary on Sunday or not, make an effort to contribute to the financial support of your church. Allow me to speak ...
Featured
Does the religion of the President matter?
Does the religion of a President matter? The current controversy ignited by Glen Beck and a host of others who are clamoring to restore America by an appeal to God is a controversy that should be easily defused. Unfortunately, it is complicated by heated rhetoric on both sides, particularly the extremes; those who hate religion see no place for it in the public square and those fundamentalists of... [Read more]
The Gospel is Social Justice: A Response to Glenn Beck
As Glenn Beck continues his withering assault on the personal faith of the President and dials up the rhetoric about churches that proclaim a social gospel, I encourage you to listen again to the sermon delivered in April entitled, “Dear Mr. Beck or The Gospel Is Social Justice.” It is a rock solid biblical sermon that sifts through the nonsense and rhetoric in an effort to clarify just... [Read more]
Pastor’s Blog: Aliens Landed on the Front Lawn
There is a moment in August when you figure that the summer is over even if it is not technically over. For some that day is when the kids return to school and you don’t have to have kids for that to be a sign—you just have to wait in traffic for the school bus to move on or the crossing guard to clear the crosswalk. “Gee, summer really is over,” we might say. For others, like me, it... [Read more]
AUTUMN OPPORTUNITIES
Fall 2010 Opportunities For Study and Reflection Coming Soon in September! Summer is nearly over but a slate of opportunities for deepening your faith awaits you this Fall. Please be sure to pick up a flyer in the narthex when you are in church and sign up for these events/studies. Let’s study and grow together. Bible Study on Sundays will begin September 12th with a six part study on the... [Read more]
August at Riverside
Riverside Church Washington, DC While things slow down around the church in August, the truth is, plans are in process and work continues. The pastor is working on a slate of bible study and reflection opportunities to present in the Fall after Labor Day. Weddings are taking place (congrats Blair and Norbert!), trustees are overseeing property, deacons are overseeing member care, an ordination... [Read more]
